Centuries ago, man's quest to relieve the daily stress of life resulted in the creation of tools. Eating utensils and weapons were fashioned out of wood and bone. Hundreds of years later, inventive civilizations introduced mechanics into the mix with the birth of fulcrums and levers, wheels and irrigation systems. Each generation retained these life-easing ideas and improved upon them with time.

With the turning of the 20th century, the human race saw a sudden rush of industry. Population explosions and the growth of commerce soared throughout the early part of the new era. New and improved tools appeared to make life at home, work and play more bearable. The desire to "keep up with the Joneses" soon led to a surge of technological advancements.

As a whole; there is nothing evil about technology. To those who do not understand it, fright seems reasonable. But what should happen to a world that continues to put its collective trust into a supposed servant? As the new millenium approaches, we must face it with cautious optimism and a healthy dose of fear and respect.

Technology has done more than make life a little easier to manage; it's helped to sustain that life as well. However, the panting beast that fetches the morning paper is quick to turn and eye the hand that so recently fed it. As the microchip revoloution speeds violently towards the 21st century, humankind seems to occasionally fall between the cracks. Machines replace workers, artificial intelligence threatens to replace thinkers and not even a recreational game of chess can be considered without also pondering the what-if's of a future filled with millions of Deep Blue clones.

Some will push this digital destiny as a techno-drug. The powers-that-be would have you believe that our future is wide-open and free for the taking. For every advancement however, there is a price. Your participation in tomorrow's dream may or may not be voluntary--cities modernize and catch the students of future shock unaware. Others will be brainwashed into believing that they'll be in good hands.

Good metallic hands.

Good strong metallic hands.

Our teknodawn approacheth.